Gold Star presentation a 'moving moment'
Gold Star presentation a 'moving moment'
28 February 2020
A Gold Star presentation service has been held on the New South Wales Central Coast to honour the service of the late Major Kaye Townsend.
Kaye passed away on 2 September last year from cancer while she and her husband, Major Peter Townsend, were serving as the corps officers at Inverell Corps in Northern NSW.
Colonel Miriam Gluyas, NSW/ACT Divisional Commander, presented the Gold Star to Kaye’s mother, Mrs Del Seabrook, in what was described as a “moving moment”.
Gold Stars are a Salvation Army commemoration presented to parents whose officer children have passed away while still on active service.
“It was an honour to present the Gold Star to her mother,” said Miriam. “She was delighted as she hadn’t been able to get to the funeral, so this was a significant time for her.”
Peter flew down from Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, where he is now the corps officer. Other family members attended, including Kaye’s twin sister, along with friends, training college session mates, and various other officers and Salvationists.
Tributes were made and letters were read from Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, World President of Women’s Ministries, and Commissioner Janine Donaldson, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries.
“We believe this to be the first Gold Star presented in the new Australia Territory,” said Miriam.
Comments
Sad news to hear, you both gave such inspiration whilst I was living in Goulburn and working in your Goulburn store and office.
God bless you
Peter